South Korean mountaineer Hong, Sung-Taek is set to embark on an unprecedented challenge: summiting all 14 of the world’s eight-thousanders in under six months—without Sherpa support. Sponsored by Defytime, this feat will test his endurance and skill against some of the deadliest peaks on Earth.

From 60 to 30: Defying Time Through Exploration
The expedition, titled “From 60 to 30,” symbolizes a journey of reversing age. At nearly 60 years old, Hong aims to prove that with Defytime, regaining the strength and endurance of a 30-year-old is possible. His mission goes beyond climbing—it is about defying time itself, showing that age is no barrier.

The Eight-Thousanders: A Deadly Pursuit
The eight-thousanders are 14 mountains over 8,000 meters, all in the Himalayas and Karakoram ranges. These towering peaks, including Everest, K2, and Annapurna, lie in the “death zone,” where oxygen is scarce, and conditions are extreme. Attempting to summit all in record time without Sherpas is a daunting endeavor requiring immense resilience.

The Under 6 Challenge: A Race Against Time
Hong’s expedition also includes the “Under 6 Challenge,” aiming to complete all 14 summits in just six months. Typically, climbers take 7 to 10 years to achieve this feat, summiting only one or two peaks per season. Only three climbers worldwide have ever completed this challenge, all in their 30s. Hong, determined to join this elite group, will attempt to defy the odds.

A Legacy of Exploration
A National Geographic Explorer and KSAF Mountaineers Academy principal, Hong has completed extraordinary expeditions, including summiting Everest (1995), skiing to the South Pole (1994), and trekking to the North Pole (2005). He also crossed the Bering Strait on foot (2012) and Greenland by dog sled (2011). Recently, he has led expeditions to climb the notoriously difficult Lhotse South Face in the Himalayas.

The Ultimate Test of Human Endurance
Details are still being finalized, but Hong’s mission will push human limits. Facing extreme weather and high-altitude dangers without Sherpa aid, he aims to inspire future explorers. Defytime, which sponsored his 2019 Lhotse expedition, now stands behind him once more as he takes on this unprecedented challenge.